Automotive Insiders

In a redefined, fast-paced landscape, Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks to Plante Moran partner Mark Barrott about the ability of suppliers to adjust to fewer platforms and greater technical capability.

Streamlining IT operations and improving overall efficiency in these challenging times takes a changed mindset and new methods of operational efficiency. Mike Lewandowski of Modineer shares some lessons learned along the way with Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein.

The preparation for the electric vehicle revolution isn’t just touching the light-vehicle market, automakers and their suppliers. It also extends across other industries and segments. Jason Stein interviews Jim Zizelman, president and CEO of Stoneridge, to talk EVs across industries as well as a move to advanced technology and safety.

Suppliers are being hit hard by the UAW strike, but how will today’s actions impact the future – especially after the strike reaches a resolution? Automotive Insiders interviews Julie Fream, President and CEO, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, and Ann Wilson, MEMA’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, to get a feel for the lasting effects. And, the group talks about the issues at the south...

What’s the effect of the current UAW strike on suppliers across the industry? Automotive Insiders talks to two experts about the strike’s impact and the constraints on an already stretched supply base. Jason Stein interviews Julie Fream, President and CEO, MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers, and Ann Wilson, MEMA’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, to get an insider’s look on the effects of...

Jason Stein of Automotive Insiders talks to Homayune Ghaussi of Warner Norcross & Judd to discuss the impact of a potential UAW strike on suppliers -- as well as a major decision by the Michigan Supreme Court that will affect a change in blanket orders.

Automotive suppliers are increasingly feeling market pressure to combat a host of challenges that might not have been as prevalent in prior years. Anthony Murphy, Vice President and head of Product Management for the Application group at Plex by Rockwell Automation, talks to Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein about how Rockwell is tackling those challenges directly.

Mark Wakefield, Global Co-Leader of the Automotive and Industrial Practice at AlixPartners, talks to Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein about the release of the 20th annual AlixPartners Global Outlook. What’s the health of automakers, suppliers, tech companies and dealers? Wakefield offers his overall view.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to Mexico. Legal considerations, including supply chain structures and labor obligations, are crucial for companies moving in that direction. Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein interviews Juan Carlos Jiménez Labora and Alfredo Kupfer, of Sanchez Devanny, to help suppliers navigate the decision.

As the industry looks to source more parts in North America, and manage the USMCA’s and IRA rules, how best to understand the Mexico market? Jason Stein of Automotive Insiders sits down with Roland Berger partner Oscar Equibar to understand the complexities of the market.

More types of vehicles mean more programs for suppliers to manage — and often with an ever-shrinking profit margin. Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks to Actify CEO Dave Opsahl about navigating a changing world. 

Reading the fine print has never been more important to automotive suppliers struggling with supply chain issues. Knowing the terms and conditions upfront and layering price escalation clauses into contracts can save suppliers from headaches down the road. Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks to Michael Brady, partner at Warner Norcross & Judd.

OEMs like Kia not only must evolve their products and propulsion systems to meet the demands of tomorrow, but also reach out directly to future employees to explain how prosperous the auto industry has become for those on the factory floor. Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein talks to Kia Georgia President and CEO Stuart Countess about those changes.

Joe McCabe, president and CEO of AutoForecast Solutions, joins Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein to lay out how very different the near-term and long-term future of the automotive industry will be. Did you love the days of nearly 18 million vehicles sold per year? Gone. Big fan of EVs? Well, get comfortable with hydrogen. McCabe provides data-driven predictions that'll leave you wanting mo...

A silo approach to manufacturing doesn't work anymore, if it ever did. A silo approach to supplier relations is just as faulty, according to a global R&D expert. Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein welcomes Nissan Motor Co.'s Chris Reed, an executive who knows the value of supplier communication. Reed talks R&D, Nissan's key relationship with MEMA and much more.

In today’s climate, three big challenges loom over automotive manufacturing: labor availability, the impact of the shift to electrification, and geopolitical factors. Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein walks through those issues with Tomas Kowal of Seraph who addresses those challenges through efficiency, visibility and a better promotion of the industry to a younger generation.

As macroeconomic challenges pile up within the industry, Bart Huthwaite, principal at RSM, sits down with Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein to discuss energy costs, cost of capital, labor shortages and strategic sourcing. What trends are taking shape for the second quarter and beyond?

Understanding ESG standards, trends, and opportunities in the global automotive industry has become paramount for success. In this episode of Automotive Insiders, host Jason Stein interviews Mitch Zajac, shareholder at Butzel, about the importance of ESG and the elements required for business success.

Is a national slowdown at hand? If so, when will that take place? Kevin Depew of RSM talks about the factors at hand with Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein along with the prognostications as it relates to energy, consumer spending and interest rates. Is a recession mild, or severe? Jason and Kevin discuss the odds.

How to navigate supply chain challenges while understanding data analytics in the manufacturing space. Infor’s Peter Maithel and Henning Dransfeld sit down with Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein to discuss a better way to approach smart manufacturing.

Given the roadblocks, or opportunities, for the new year, what is a supplier’s perspective on the challenges facing the industry this year?  Pat D’Eramo, Martinrea’s President and CEO, talks with Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein and Bill Newman of SAP, about what’s to come – and what to avoid in 2023.

What does 2023 look like from the automaker and supplier level? The answer is somewhat cloudy, but also full of opportunity. Plante Moran partner Daron Gifford talks with Automotive Insider host Jason Stein to discuss logistics, supply chain, semiconductors and the road ahead.

New opportunities are emerging in the electric vehicle space and many involve wireless charging. HEVO is branching out and trying to conquer the possibilities. Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein interviews HEVO’s Jeremy McCool and Vic Peltola to talk about what’s possible on the road to an EV future.

From start ups to traditional automakers, a discussion about new and traditional approaches to purchasing and all elements under consideration in the business model for 2023. Automotive Insiders host Jason Stein, and Bill Newman of SAP, talk to three guests: Bruce Baumgartner, VP Supply Chain, of Zoox; Tom Lake, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning, for Honda; and Kathy Worthen, Executive D...

What does the regulatory landscape look like in 2023? MEMA’s Senior Vice President, Ann Wilson, talks with Automotive Insides host Jason Stein, and SAP’s Bill Newman, at the OESA automotive supplier conference to discuss the changing nature of discussions at all levels of government.